For Francisco Palencia, Director of Soccer at Chivas, the decision made by ownership to assign Jose Luis Real at the helm of Chivas USA not only marked a turning point in the style of play on the field, but also in the Red-and-White locker room. A squad into which, according to the former player, “Güero has injected that unity” that day after day continues to grow and is heading into a promising future.

Aside from that camaraderie that is felt within the locker room, Real’s group also brought a very clear idea of the game: “to develop an approach of soccer defined by good possession as well as a vertical style.” A methodology that serves as a model and translates from the Youth Academy all the way to the First Team; a unification that will help that youth emerge as the most successful while developing professional players.

It’s for that reason that Palencia mentioned the great responsibility that he and the staff who have arrived to the Red-and-White to implement those concepts carry on their shoulders. Besides he pointed out how communication and trust on behalf of all parts are the key to running and solidifying that foundation.

“[Jorge Vergara], evidently, by bringing in his work team, trusts the decisions we may have on the soccer side… ...and he gives us the complete liberty to do so. Guero has a long time working in the soccer industry, Jorge knows that perfectly, and he’s truly convinced of the style of play that Chivas wants,” Palencia explained.

A style that continues growing with Palencia’s experience, who can often be seen giving instructions and tips on the training field. It’s that familiarity of both styles of play, having been part of both Chivas Guadalajara and Chivas USA’s rosters, that allows the group to complement both strategies in order to create a more offensive style of play and the ball possession that they hope to gain.

“I played here with the team, I played with Chivas Mexico, so I also know about the style of play that we want to set up. Naturally, with Guero now here, he has injected a soccer style that is more balanced but at the same time looking to get at the opposing goal the fastest way possible,” the former player said.

This change is important because it is one that both coaches and players have full confidence in, along with the direction the Red-and-White club has taken since the middle of the season.

“I think that [the players] have a great disposition. They are people who are always willing to work. We know where we want to go and they are convinced of that and that makes unifying the group much easier.”

That unity, the commitment to teamwork and the positive diligence to continue fighting that the Red-and-White players possess are just a glimpse of the tip of the iceberg of results that will bring a better outcome in the 2014 season.

“Güero has installed that group unity as one of the foundations to the work on the pitch, aside from the camaraderie in the locker room, where everyone gets along,” Palencia added. “It helps a lot that the team is little by little picking itself up and that we put it once and for all, in the upcoming season, where it deserves to be – among the top in Major League Soccer.”